Israeli Singer Attacked in Greece Over Hebrew Conversation
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli singer Elior Zandani was physically assaulted in Athens, Greece, by three individuals who allegedly targeted him after hearing him speak Hebrew. Zandani, who was celebrating his 25th birthday, reported facial injuries and a broken nose. The incident is part of a pattern of reported attacks on Israelis in Greece, prompting past warnings from Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Zandani shared his experience on Instagram, calling it deeply unpleasant and urging others to stay safe.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli singer Elior Zandani was attacked in Athens after being overheard speaking Hebrew.
- Zandani sustained facial injuries, including a broken nose, during the altercation.
- The attack occurred on Saturday night during Zandani's 25th birthday trip to Greece.
- This incident is among several reported attacks on Israelis in Greece recently.
- Zandani shared his distressing experience on Instagram, urging safety for travelers.
Israeli singer and creator Elior Zandani, a former contestant on "The Next Star," reported being violently attacked in Athens, Greece, during his 25th birthday trip. Zandani stated on Instagram that the incident occurred on Saturday night when he was outside a party near the Olympic Stadium, speaking on his phone in Hebrew. According to his account, a group of three individuals noticed he was speaking Hebrew, initiated a verbal confrontation, which escalated into a physical altercation.
Zandani described sustaining significant injuries to his face, which became very swollen, and reported broken nasal bones, according to a Mako report. He managed to escape the situation, describing it as one of the most unpleasant experiences he has had while in a foreign country. He concluded his social media post with a message to his followers to "stay safe everywhere" and added "Am Yisrael Chai" with blue and white hearts.
The article does not specify if Zandani filed a police report or if any action was taken against his alleged attackers. This incident follows other reports of attacks and harassment against Israelis in Greece in recent months. In August, an Israeli couple was reportedly attacked during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Athens, requiring intervention from locals to help them escape.
The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece had previously expressed concern over events aimed at intimidating Israeli tourists or those speaking Hebrew or displaying Jewish symbols. In response to potential protests in August, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Israelis to downplay any identifying markers and avoid protest areas.
Zandani, who grew up in Gedera, participated in the ninth season of "The Next Star" in 2022. He is the son of Amnon Zandani, who was described in a 2022 interview as the personal manager of singer Moshe Peretz. Elior Zandani had previously spoken about balancing studio work and his participation in the show with his military service in the C4I Corps.
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